Hi, fellow Highians!

Thanks to the editorial board for giving me a great opportunity to share my life and stories
after graduating from my former school.

I am Kang Eng Yan and graduated from SMK Tinggi Sarikei in the year of 2016. Time continued
to tick by mercilessly as I entered my foundation year in Meros Language School, Tokyo. I supposed a
little introduction is in order. Meros Language School is a school where we can study Japanese in order
to pursue higher education in Japan. There are experienced teachers guiding the students under
various curriculums depending on their needs like preparation for higher education institutions, daily
conversation, Japanese cultures, business Japanese and so on.

As preparation, I had taken a 3-month local Japanese course in Johor Bahru from June to
September 2017. At the very beginning, I thought it would be very hard for me to pick up a foreign
language as I had not much knowledge in Japanese. Unexpectedly, I managed to achieve N4 in
Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and completed all JLPT N3 syllabuses, conducted by our
lovely Japanese teacher, 中本千枝子先生 (Mdm. Nakamoto Chieko).

Upon completion of my basic Japanese course in Malaysia, I sat for Japanese Placement Test
and now studying Intermediate Japanese course, measured for Examination of Japanese University
Admission for international students (EJU) course in Meros. I would have never expected that I would
enrol to an engineering course, since before this I never had the thoughts of taking up engineering
courses for my future career. Despite of that, after much consideration and planning, I had made up
my mind to engage in the engineering industry. Therefore, since I am aiming to major in Science, I
have to study 4 subjects in this 1 and a half year, which are Japanese, Physics, Chemistry and
Mathematics 2.

University’s life is entirely different from secondary school’s. It is undeniably that I become
emotionally, mentally and physically stronger. We have to deal with many school assignments, daily
tasks, part time job and school reports with short deadline. Apart from that, we are exposed to
different learning environment, various cultures and people from all around the world. Above all, what
hurt the most is homesick. I have always missed my family, friends and delicious food from my
hometown. However, I am thankful that I am able to learn Japanese affairs and manners needed for
being in Japanese society. In Meros, I enjoyed the lesson like Shodo (classical Japanese writing) and
Sado (Japanese traditional tea ceremony). Although sometimes our communication with the local is
hindered by the language barrier, I do enjoy every single moment I spend in Japan. Learning the new
language and trying to blend myself into their circle of life are indeed great experiences I ever have.

Finally, deepest gratitude to all teachers and staff, who had moulded me to whom I am today.
I treasured the guidance and advice from my friends and family as well. To all juniors, especially to
those who are sitting for PT3 and SPM this year, endeavour to achieve higher and break a leg!